
Butter Chicken with Rice
Makan Tengah Hari • Malaysia
How to Make Butter Chicken with Rice (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Butter Chicken with Rice, known locally as Ayam Mentega dengan Nasi, is a beloved dish that beautifully fuses the aromatic spices of North Indian cuisine with the multicultural flavors of Malaysia. In Malaysia, this dish has become a favorite at both mamak stalls and home kitchens, often adapted to include wholesome, local ingredients such as santan (coconut milk), fresh coriander, and pandan leaves for a unique twist. The vegetarian version replaces chicken with hearty tofu, making it suitable for plant-based diets while maintaining all the comforting, creamy flavors. This dish features tender tofu cubes cooked in a fragrant, spiced tomato and yogurt-based sauce, lightly enriched with a touch of butter and santan for that signature silky texture. Served over steaming hot rice, it is both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for lunch, Ayam Mentega dengan Nasi celebrates the diversity of Malaysian cuisine and the country’s tradition of blending flavors and cultures on a single plate. Its mild yet aromatic taste makes it a crowd-pleaser, especially for those seeking a healthier, vegetarian lunch option.
Bahan-bahan(untuk 1 plate (approx. 1 cup rice + 1 cup butter tofu))
- 200g Firm tofu (cut into cubes)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter (mentega)
- 1 small Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 inch Ginger (finely grated)
- 1/2 cup Tomato puree
- 1/4 cup Low-fat plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons Santan (coconut milk) (light)
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon Coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- 1 Pandan leaf (tied in a knot) - pilihan
- 2 cups Cooked white rice (preferably basmati or local fragrant rice)
- to taste Salt
Arahan
- 1
Pat dry and cube the tofu. Lightly pan-fry in a non-stick pan with a little oil until golden on all sides. Set aside.
5 minutes
Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture for crispier tofu.
- 2
In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and ginger. Fry until fragrant.
3 minutes
Keep heat moderate to avoid burning the garlic.
- 3
Add tomato puree, garam masala, coriander powder, and chili powder. Stir well and cook until the oil separates and the sauce thickens.
4 minutes
Stir continuously for an even cook and richer flavor.
- 4
Lower the heat. Mix in yogurt and santan, stirring until smooth and creamy. Add salt to taste.
2 minutes
Add yogurt slowly to prevent curdling.
Kenapa hidangan ini sihat
By substituting cream with low-fat yogurt and using less butter, this recipe reduces overall calories and saturated fat. Tofu provides lean protein, making the dish filling yet light. The addition of local ingredients such as santan and pandan leaf enhances flavor without excess calories, supporting weight management and heart health. It’s a wholesome option for a balanced Malaysian lunch.
This vegetarian Butter Chicken with Rice is rich in plant-based protein from tofu and provides dietary fiber from tomatoes and onions. The use of santan (coconut milk) and yogurt adds healthy fats while keeping the dish light. It’s lower in saturated fat and calories compared to traditional versions with cream and ghee, making it suitable for those mindful of their energy intake. The inclusion of spices like ginger and coriander offers antioxidants and aids digestion.
Petua
- 💡For extra flavor, marinate tofu with a pinch of turmeric and salt before frying.
- 💡Add a stick of cinnamon to the sauce for a subtle aroma.
- 💡If preparing in advance, keep tofu and sauce separate until serving to maintain texture.
Penyimpanan & hidangan
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to refresh the sauce.
Paling sesuai dihidang: Lunch
Fakta Nutrisi
| Nutrien | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Tenaga | 780.0 kcal |





